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Lakewood police chief ponders policy shift after cop's death

The fatal shooting of Lakewood police Officer James Davies by a fellow patrolman could spawn new policies and training, Lakewood police Chief Kevin Paletta said Thursday.

The department is awaiting a decision from the Jefferson County district attorney's office on whether Officer Devaney Braley's use of force was justified. Then it will study the Nov. 9 incident internally.

The internal review will examine whether officers used proper tactics and complied with department policy when they responded to a shots-fired call at a home on Eaton Street, which culminated with Braley firing over a 6-foot-tall wooden privacy fence, killing Davies.

"That's the key question for us, what happened, how did it happen, why did it happen?" Paletta said. "With this case being as sensitive as it is, we want to make sure we have all the information before we start making conclusions."

It's unclear when the investigations will wrap up. Braley, an 11-year-veteran of the force, remains on paid leave during the probe.

"He has a lot of support and a lot of friends and coworkers that are keeping a very close eye on him," Paletta said.

Others on the force are beginning to avail themselves of counseling.

All have been working long hours. Jefferson County sheriff's deputies helped patrol the streets Thursday so Lakewood officers could attend Davies' funeral.

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Of the mood in the station recently, Paletta said, "You have some people who just couldn't do it, they weren't in a mental position to come back to work. You've got other people who are really relying on the support of each other. ... Some have even said the best thing they can do is come back to work."

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